ONE STEP CLOSER TO THE DERBY
Robert and Lawana Low's Steppenwolfer (APTITUDE) walked the shedrow at Barn 41 Sunday morning, a day after working six furlongs in 1:13 under Derby rider Robby Albarado. The work was the fourth fastest of 11 at the distance.
"Just give me a few more good days," trainer Dan Peitz said. "He is training beautifully and if he fires Saturday, he will be passing a lot of tired horses."
This is Peitz's second excursion into the Derby Week spotlight, having saddled Real Cozzy for the Lows to a second-place finish in the 2001 Kentucky Oaks.
"I had Capote Belle for the Lows in 1996 and she won the Test and then I had Real Cozzy in 2001 and now Steppenwolfer," Peitz said. "I only get 10 or 12 two-year-olds a year, but I think I have a better shot than some guys at getting here because they (the Lows) breed to stallions like Seattle Slew in the past and now Giant's Causeway and Storm Cat."
Peitz said that Real Cozzy was a homebred but Capote Belle and Steppenwolfer were purchased as 2-year-olds.
"Steppenwolfer was the only colt we bought last year at any sale. He was the sale topper for $375,000 at Ocala in April," Peitz said. "They (the Lows) said to see if I could find them a colt who could go a mile and a quarter. Now they want me to do it again.
"Tom McCrocklin, who breaks my babies down in Ocala and goes to all the sales with me, liked him because he had worked fast, had a big, long stride and a nice pedigree."
Date:
01 May 2006